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Marvel's netflix-like digital comics subscription service, already in beta for iOS, will be making its way to android devices soon!

Earlier this week, we reported on the new iOS beta for Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited, the Netflix-like subscription service that allows readers to pay a monthly fee for unlimited access to over 10,000 digital comics (see that article for all the good jokes - we're playing this one straight). In the past, readers could access this service through their browser on a PC or laptop, and access that same desktop version on an Android device (but not iOS, since it used Flash).

So what's different about this new beta? Well, ostensibly, its tailored for the display and interface of devices like the iPad and iPhone. Presumably, the upcoming Android version will do the same for Android phones and tablets, since, technically, the normal reader will "work" on an Android browser. Marvel is continuing to add and test features, so maybe they can this thing to be usable on a tablet. The old version was terribly clunky when this reporter last tried it, even on a broadband connection in a modern browser, but we'll give Marvel another chance since they're making an effort here.

The news comes in the form of a single sentence on an invite sent out to current Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited subscribers, inviting them to join the iOS beta, adding, "Coming soon - support for Android devices!" This is great news for people who actually want to seriously read these comics, because, let's face it, reading comics on a PC kind of sucks. You can't comfortably lay down with a PC, or take it with you to poop. You need these things on a tablet.

Marvel is the first to offer its comics in this subscription format, which has become hugely popular in other industries with services like Netflix and Hulu, or the various music subscription services that pop up every few months. It is certainly a great way to ease the pain of switching to digital for long-time collectors, who might have a library of more 10,000 physical comics sitting inaccessible in a garage somewhere (like this reporter).

It's only Marvel Comics, but let's be real for a moment; for most people, that's enough. And other companies will soon follow suit, if the history of other industries is any indication.

Thanks to New Comic Day artist and digital aficionado Jim Gallo, who alerted us to this news. We'll keep you updated. Onward into the digital age, bitches!

In my experience the annoying part it is was written in Flash, which sucked as far as controls. They either don't respond, or don't respond right away when you try to turn a page.

That is on the browser on a PC. On a tablet, where the internet collection is usually a little bit slower, it compounds it.

That being said, they're gotten rid of Flash for the iOS beta, and claim Android support is coming. Android can use Flash, but it would be reasonable to believe that they understand Flash sucks and plan to make a version of the iOS beta that is tailored to Android devices (as otherwise, what is the point of "Android Support Coming Soon," as it already technically works in Android).

So in conclusion - I would say wait and see how it works. If the pages turn properly (which is really all you need to accomplish in a comic reading app), then it's totally worth it.

RU, you have an iPad right? I'd be interested in knowing how the beta performs on there.